I think that many times teachers in elementary school aren't grading kids against fixed standards (even though they are supposed to be) but that they are actually grading kids against themselves. So if something is a relative weakness for a kid who is actually above grade level in all subjects including the weakness, it will get graded down. I also believe (and have some experience/evidence to back this up) that they will grade a kid who is obviously *below* grade level in all subjects *up* if a particular area is a strength or if progress is being made.

Last edited by Kai; 11/17/13 06:49 PM.